Universities in Maryland (and DC)?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>Hello all!</p>

<p>Just a bit about my background:</p>

<p>I am a citizen of a tiny middle eastern country called Lebanon. I’ve done two years at the American University of Beirut. This university is located outside of the USA, but is accredited in the USA:

</p>

<p>I have a 3.2 GPA and I’m majoring in Political Studies. I am seeking to transfer to the United States for the final two/three years of my education for several reasons, but mostly because it is a deep passion in my heart to spend a few years living in the best country on earth ;)</p>

<p>I’ve spent the past two days doing my research about the schools in Maryland/DC, and my short list includes the following:</p>

<p>-Towson University
-University of Maryland: Baltimore County</p>

<p>As you can see it’s a bit skimpy and I would like to add one or two schools to this list.</p>

<p>I’m looking for universities with the following qualities:</p>

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<ul>
<li><p>A decent amount of students living on campus (25% at the very least).</p></li>
<li><p>Strong academically, good reputation</p></li>
<li><p>Tuition fees+room and board at a maximum of 25,000$ P.A. (If the school exceeds this by a bit but offers financial aid to international students, feel free to recommend it). IF you have a university to recommend that touches on ~30,000$, that is acceptable if it is perfect for all of the other qualities I desire.</p></li>
<li><p>Offers a Political Studies or similar major.</p></li>
<li><p>Close to either Baltimore/DC proper. I am a city boy through and through and I’m used to having a movie theater, grocery store, shopping mall, and bars/clubs within walking distance of where I live. Feel free to suggest areas that are not necessarily in either city but are sufficiently developed enough to have all of these things close to me.</p>

<hr></li>
</ul>

<p>That’s basically it. So based on that, are there any universities that suit me that I have missed? Thanks for any help in advance!</p>

<p>Edit: Oh, and don’t assume that I won’t be open to schools that are more homogeneous and don’t have that many minorities/international students. My HS counselor always did this and it’s totally annoying!</p>

2

<p>I’d add Howard, George Mason, and University of Maryland College Park.</p>

<p>If you’re willing to look North at Baltimore, are you willing to look South? Lots of great schools in VA, within a few hours of DC in areas that have the things you describe.</p>

3

<p>Perhaps also look into Goucher College, American University, and Catholic University</p>

4

<p>Absolutely look into Goucher, McDaniel, Washington, all in Maryland, and nearby in DC American, and George Washington - look at the page regarding international admissions if they have scholarships for transfers.
UMBC is mostly hard science, not political science.
Howard is a HBCU, which may be a plus or a minus for you, depending.
Why UMBC and not UM-College Park?
George Mason would fit all your criteria I think - but it’s in VA, just outside DC.</p>

5

<p>You should re-check the Cost of Attendance at the places on your list. For an out-of-state student, Towson is $34,844 [Cost</a> of Attendance- Towson University](<a href=“http://www.towson.edu/main/finaid/finaidbasics/cost.asp]Cost”>http://www.towson.edu/main/finaid/finaidbasics/cost.asp) If you do not demonstrate that you can meet the full Cost of Attendance through a combination of your own money and financial aid from the college/university or from an outside scholarship you will not get your student visa.</p>

<p>As you have already found, there aren’t that many colleges and universities in the immediate DC/Baltimore area. It will be pretty easy for you to check each one’s website for information about financial aid for international students and transfers.</p>